Sigma Sports Podcast Archive

Episode forty one

Matt Stephens and Tai Woffinden discuss the addictive nature of road cycling and how it can become an obsession.

Tai Woffinden tells Matt Stephens how a snap decision at just 12 years of age set him on the path to becoming the three-times Speedway World Champion he is today. His impulsive nature is also responsible for his growing addiction to road cycling, and if he’s not racing Speedway, he’s riding his road bike as hard as he can; on the tarmac or in his custom-built Zwift cave. While the Perth native might reside in Poland, Matt grills him on his birthplace of sunny Scunthorpe, and gets more than he bargained for.

Listen to episode 41 below.

Episode forty two

Matt Stephens and Mitch Docker chat about the sacrifices required to race against the new era of pro cyclists.

Mitch Docker and Matt Stephens shoot the breeze with a meandering chat about retro cycling fashion, tramp bikes and the challenges of being a road captain. The EF Education-Nippo rider still loves racing his bike, but explains how realising what matters most in life helped inform his decision to retire. The Hometown Quiz brings us the lowdown on Melbourne, while the Random Question Generator fires off a doozy featuring the Spice Girls!

Listen to episode 42 below.

Episode forty three

Matt Stephens and Marianne Vos chat about the importance of relaxation and the value of a really nice cake.

Marianne Vos tells Matt Stephens all about her upbringing in the Netherlands, and how cycling was like a second nature to her. Having won her first World Championship at the tender age of 19, her life changed overnight - Matt was keen to find out how the Jumbo-Visma rider succeeded in becoming one of the most successful cyclists of all time while dealing with the pressures and expectations of such early promise. And if you’re wondering which kind of cake Marianne would choose if she had to be paid in cake, you’ve come to the right place!

Listen to episode 43 below.

Episode forty four

Matt Stephens learns that when Lukas Pöstlberger is satisfied with his performance, the results don’t matter.

Lukas Pöstlberger cooks dinner while Matt Stephens quizzes him on his hometown of Vöcklabruck and learns how wearing your national colours helps you to identify your socks. The proud Austrian has spent seven years with Bora Hansgrohe and become one of the most technically gifted riders on the planet; listen in to find out his top tips for corner and descending. A generally laid back guy, Lukas puts his foot down when it comes to the choice of music on the team bus, and explains how getting it wrong can cost the team the race.

Listen to episode 44 below.

Episode forty five

Matt Stephens and Russ Ellis chat about what it takes to race the peloton to the finish line, in order to capture the moment.

Russ Ellis explains to Matt Stephens that by giving a little, he gained a lot, when a generous gesture to Chris Froome led to a chance of a lifetime; shooting with then Team Sky. Now revered as one of the most talented cycling photographers around, Russ is a regular at the Grand Tours and Spring Classics alike, updating his @cyclingimages Instagram account with regular masterpieces that capture action and emotion in equal measures. Australian arachnids, octopuses and exploding pigeons also feature along with the first ever Mansfield quiz.

Listen to episode 45 below.

Episode forty six

Matt Stephens and Nathan Haas discuss the freedom of expression afforded by gravel riding.

Nathan Haas chats to Matt Stephens from the comfort of his Pod-pod - a room specially modified for podcasting. We hear the Australian’s take on why you can’t compare Cav to Eddie Merckx and why he’s as much of a cycling fan as he is an athlete. Plus, he shares his take on why there have been so many crashes at the opening stages of the 2021 Tour de France. Find out what led the Cofidis rider to admit that he just doesn’t understand cycling anymore, how it’s better for everyone to think you’re stupid and say nothing than to open your mouth and prove it, and how in his fully enjoyable career - timing has been everything.

Listen to episode 46 below.

Episode forty seven

Matt Stephens and Peter Stetina discuss the US Gravel scene and the potential for it to be ruined by the UCI.

Peter Stetina and Matt Stephens shoot the breeze about gravel, beer and Boulder. A former World Tour road racer turned Privateer, Peter is now one of the most successful gravel racers in the world, accrediting the switch to gravel grinding as the best career decision of his life. Find out why he loves it so dearly, and how his passion for craft beer is somewhat complementary to the carnival feeling you only get in the American gravel scene. Having come back from a potentially career-ending injury, Peter’s professional focus on returning to health provides a hint toward his ability to suffer, and how that brings him success. There’s a stewards inquiry on the Boulder quiz, and if you’re wondering what Peter would print with a magic printer, you’ve come to the right place.

Listen to episode 47 below.

Episode forty eight

Matt Stephens and Kristin Armstrong discuss the transition from competing to coaching at the highest level of elite cycling.

Kristin Armstrong and Matt Stephens chat about the upcoming Tokyo Olympics, and how she is preparing her athletes to compete in the women's mountain biking and team pursuit cycling events. With three Olympic gold medals to her name as well as two World Championships in the Time Trial discipline, Kristin admits she now cares a little too much about her athletes and explains how that competitive feeling never really goes away.

Listen to episode 48 below.

Episode forty nine

Matt Stephens and Jake Stewart chat about development, growth and why you should never move house in the middle of the racing season.

Jake Stewart tells Matt Stephens how joining the French Groupama–FDJ cycling development team took some getting used to, before making his impressive breakthrough for the WorldTour team in the past year and feeling part of the family. Question marks are raised around the Coventry quiz, when the legitimacy of a local delicacy is put under scrutiny, and with his recent heroics at the Tokyo Olympics, Jake wants to know why Tom Pidcock won't share a little bit of his talent.

Listen to episode 49 below.

Episode fifty - AJ Bell Tour of Britain Special

Matt Stephens chats all-things T.O.B. with Arkea–Samsic rider Connor Swift, Israel Start-Up Nation Directeur Sportif Cherie Pridham, and Race Director Andy Hawes.

A Tour of Britain Rider, a rival Directeur Sportif, and the Race Director all walk into a podcast…That’s right, it’s the AJ Bell Tour of Britain Special. From the massage table, Arkea–Samsic rider Connor Swift tells Matt Stephens how it feels to ride the 2021 edition of the race, which has seen unseasonably hot weather. We learn all about Cherie Pridham’s penchants for getting locked out of her hotel room, something the Israel Start-Up Nation’s Director Sportif admits is just a small part of her busy day. And Route Director Andy Hawes gives Matt the lowdown on how he creates the perfect parcours - it helps that he’s one of the most dedicated professionals in the business.

Listen to episode 50 below.